Stampin' Pretty - My Fun & Chic Stampin' Up! Boutique, Mary Fish, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Video Tutorials

Spend $20 get 20% Off

Itching for Puns from the Past (111676) or dreaming of Flight of the Butterfly (111564)?  Starting December 1 (and running through January 18), spend $20 on any Stampin' Up! products and receive 20% off any stamp set in the catalog sampler (the small catalog pictured to the left).    

There is no limit to the number of discounted items that can be purchased once the $20 minimum has been reached. 

Need a free catalog sampler? Click to View or  Click Here to Order a Copy.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Item #	Description	Retail	20% Off
111564	Flight of the Butterfly	$31.95	$25.56
112911	Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly)	$31.95	$25.56
111676	Puns from the Past	$27.95	$22.36
111660	Just Jawing	$25.95	$20.76
111624	Dreams du Juor	$18.95	$15.16
111700	Thank You Kindly	$13.95	$11.16
111714	Wow Flowers	$12.95	$10.36
112955	Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers)	$12.95	$10.36
111600	Bella's Bloom	$12.95	$10.36

Holiday Extravaganza Ends Dec. 1

Don't miss Stampin' Up!'s specially priced Holiday Extravaganza Product Bundles (save 20 to 50%).  Offer ends Monday, Dec. 1.  Complete your ON-LINE ORDER HERE no later than Monday, December 1, 11:50 PM (MT).

NOTE:  Supplies are limited!!!  The following Holiday Extravaganza Sale bundles are SOLD OUT and no longer available for purchase:

• All in the Family Bundle (item 116217)

CLICK TO VIEW SALES FLYER

Bella Blossoms Easy Envelope

Here's a non-traditional change-up for the holidays.  It's perfect for my good friends of different faiths or cultures. 

The Bella Blossoms large flower was heat embossed in black on Stampin' Up!'s Brushed Silver card stock.  Hmmm . . . where have I seen that metallic card stock before?   Click here for my example using Brushed Gold card stock.  Très chic!

The corners were cropped with a Ticket Corner Punch and the panel was adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals on Basic Black.   TIP:  Before adhering the silver layer, I used a paper piercing template and a needle to precisely place the brads on the black card stock.

The layout for this card is from this week's Our Creative Corner sketch challenge.  I used a Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl Embossing Folder with Real Red card stock, to rev up the background.  A simple rub-on sentiment from Stampin' Up!'s Chit Chat Rub-Ons (Rub-Ons Sale Ends Nov. 30) combined with these festive colors are all that's needed to say "holiday!"

CARD:
Stamp Set:  Bella Blossoms (111596)
Paper:  Brushed Silver (100712), Real Red (102482), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Heat Tool (100005), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl Embossing Folder, Paper Piercing Template and Needle (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310)
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red Brads (Bold Brights Brads, 106957), Red Gingham Ribbon (104827), Black Embossing Powder (109133), Chit Chat Rub-Ons (111804)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Want the details for the easiest custom envelope ever?  Lauren Meader has done all the math and shares her incredibly easy formula here.  She (and I) used a Scor-Pal.  However, the scores are very basic and could be accomplished using a bone folder (with careful measurements) or the scoring blade with Stampin' Up!'s Paper Cutter (104152).  The Scor-Pal makes it much faster and more precise.

The perfect touch?  TIP:  I created my own designer paper for the envelope in less than 60 seconds by using the small Bella Blossoms flower stamp and a random pattern.

ENVELOPE:
Stamp Set:  Bella Blossoms (111596)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Scor-Pal

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stampin' Pretty Box Brigade

Ready for a little 3-D magic?  Making boxes of all sizes, especially with Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series paper, is easier than you may think.  I have three different ideas to share with you today, in tandem with the excitement (and I mean excitement) of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravaganza Sale (save 20 to 50% on selected product bundles, thru Dec. 1). 

This cutie "peek-a-boo" 3 x 3 square box leaps together in a flash.  I used a Scor-Pal and these directions (click here).  You can modify the directions (brush up on your  math skills) and make just about any size you desire. 

I added a fun touch by cropping out a scalloped heart (after scoring so I knew where to center the heart) and adding acetate for a slick little window.  TIP:  Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons (on sale through Nov. 30) adhere to so many surfaces and cling with perfection to the acetate.  This "naughty or nice" sentiment is from Season of Cheer Rub-Ons.

TIP:  I created a little confetti to hide my daughter's gift behind the window, using Old Olive, Baja Breeze and Ruby Red card stock, a Crimper and Shredding Scissors.

Paper:  Stampin' Up! Holiday Treasures Designer Series (112469), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red Textured (Earth Elements Textured, 108697), Baja Breeze (111352), Acetate (Archiver's)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439),  Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), 1/4" Circle Punch (104942), Crimper (101618), Nestabilities Scalloped Heart, Scor-Pal, Shredding Scissors
The Perfect Touch:  Baja Breeze 1" Double Stitched Ribbon (111847), Silver Cord (109866), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843)

Going from square to a 3 x 4 rectangular box requires minimal adjustment.  Discover this easy formula and directions linked here. The Chocolate Felt Ribbon (yum) is from Stampin' Up!'s Alpine Ribbon Originals and the sentiment is a Rub-On from Season of Cheer (20% off thru Nov. 30).

Paper:  Holiday Treasures Designer Series (112469), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red Textured (Earth Elements Textured, 108697), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch (107305), Wide Oval Punch (112082), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), Trio Flower Punch (109183), Scor-Pal
The Perfect Touch:  Alpine Ribbon Originals (113100), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843), Non SU Stick-On Rhinestone

Here's an easy twist for a larger gift.  I simply covered the topper of an existing box with Holiday Treasures Designer Series paper and embellished the rest. 

TIP:  For added dimension, I ran chipboard and Ruby Red Textured card stock through a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine with the Top Note Bigz Die.  I adhered the red on the chipboard die cut for a strong decorative impact.  TIP:  Stampin' Up's Chipboard may be ordered in in sheets (114320).  It includes six 5 3/4" x 13 3/4" sheets (the perfect size to zip through the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine or a Cuttlebug) and works with Originals, Bigz and BigzXL Dies.

Paper:  Holiday Treasures Designer Series (112469), Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip Textured (Earth Elements Textured, 108697), Old Olive (100702), Chipboard (114320)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Go Go Boots Alphabet (113450), 1/4" Circle Punch (104942), Crimper (101618)
The Perfect Touch:  Word Flurries Rub-Ons (111417), Little Felt Flurries (113697), Old Olive Button (Earth Elements Buttons, 103978), Organdy Ribbon (retired).

So do you feel ready to make some holiday boxes this year?  Let me know by leaving a comment.

 

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Happy Hip Holidays

As promised, I have holiday and gift ideas to share each day in conjunction with Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravaganza Sale.  Save 20 to 50% on Stampin' Up! product bundles.  Click here for the list of sale items. 

NOTE:  The Holiday Extravaganza sale ends Dec. 1, quantities are limited and my customer orders have been very brisk so far.  If there's something you love, be sure to promptly place your on-line order here.

To kick things off, I wanted to share a simple (no stamps or ink) and "hip" card I made based on this bold polka dot wrapping paper.  The inspiration is part of an exclusive weekly challenge among my demonstrator group and is one way we stay connected virtually, despite being from different parts of the U.S.  Here's a helpful resource if you're passionate about Stampin' Up!, adore discounts and want to know more about joining the Stampin' Pretty Pals.

I punched twelve Whisper White Circles using my 1" Circle Punch and adhered them to a 4.25 x 5.5 card base (scored on top) of Real Red.  Vavoom!  Instant background glamour with texture.  The bottom corners are cropped using a Corner Rounder Punch.  TIP:  I clipped the back (bottom) corners, too.

The "happy holidays" rub-on (Season of Cheer, 112843) is layered on Old Olive card stock and matted on Real Red.  Three Real Red Brads dot the right corner.  TIP:  To create a simple balance to the brads, I used a Photo Corners Punch to spiff up the left corner with a red and white accent.  Don't forget Stampin' Up!'s Rub-Ons Sale ends Nov. 30!

A strip of lovely Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon wraps things up.  I layered the sentiment panel on top of the ribbon with Stampin' Dimensionals.

For a limited time, Stampin' Up!'s DVD and supply tins are on sale individually.  Click here for details and use ideas.

DON'T MISS:  Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Gift Giving Guide and Stampin' Up! Gifts Under $10.

COMING UP NEXT:  My Stampin' Pretty Gift Box Brigade

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Paper:  Real Red (102482), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730)
Cool Tools:  1" Circle Punch (109046), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Real Red Brads (Bold Brights Brads, 106957), Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Holiday Extravaganza Sale Starts NOW! Save 20-50%

Take advantage of fantastic Stampin' Up! savings (up to 50% off) NOW through December 1. 

TIP:  Don't miss the Curly Label Punch Bundle (1129665) or Mission Embossable (116223) at 30% off! 

Quantities are limited. 

CLICK TO VIEW SALES FLYER!

ORDER STAMPIN' UP! ON-LINE HERE!

Click image to enlarge

 

Stampin' Up! Holiday Trinkets Trio

Wow, this is a week of wonderful surprises for me.  I received an email this a.m. from my virtual pal Cindy at The Creative Closet that my card from last week (shown here) was being used as a sample for the SCS color challenge (Very Vanilla, Really Rust, Going Gray).  Breathe in, breathe out.  Gigantic smile.

Yesterday was very productive in the holiday ideas "department" of my little crafting room.  In tandem with Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravaganza Sale (begins Wed., Nov. 26), I plan to share many tips and inspiration for gift boxes, tags, cards and beyond. 

Today kicks off with gift cards and coordinating envelopes, showcasing Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Scallop Envelope Die.  These adorable envies (3 1/4" x 2 1/4" folded) are perfect for small gift cards and make a hip and pretty statement.  Note:  They are not large enough to hold a standard gift card like from Target or Best Buy.  Here's an idea for a gift card holder.

I'm fascinated by all the amazing templates and tutorials for making your own envelopes from scratch.  A noble effort.  In contrast, a three second trip through the Big Shot with this handy envie die, shouts a convincing "pick me, pick me." 

TIP:  Try using the die first and then running the die cut through the Big Shot with an embossing folder for delicious texture.  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots was used here.

Stamp Set:  Holiday Trinkets (111650)
Paper:  Frosty Day Designer Series (113057), Tangerine Tango (111349), Close to Cocoa (101341), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss (111835), Tangerine Tango (111834)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Bigz Scallop Envelope Die (113462), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

TIP:  When paper piercing a small area or near the edge of card stock (like with this Scallop Circle) use a needle vs. a paper piercer to minimize creasing that can occur when poking with a larger piercer.

Stamp Set:  Holiday Trinkets (111650)
Paper:  Frosty Day Designer Series (113057), Close to Cocoa (101341), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Tangerine Tango (111834)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Bigz Scallop Envelope Die (113462), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Needle (104310, Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (111371), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Orange Micro Brads

Stamp Set:  Holiday Trinkets (111650)
Paper:  Frosty Day Designer Series (113057), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Tangerine Tango (111349), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa (103139)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Bigz Scallop Envelope Die (113462), Scallop Square Punch (112081), 1 1/4" Square Punch (104400), Cuttlebug Snowflakes Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Stick-On Pearls (non-SU)

TIP:  A quick "to" and "from" on a tent or one-dimensional card is all you'll need to slip into the interior.  I opted for a simple chocolate rub-on and popped it up on dimensionals.  Die cuts and embossing were created with my Big Shot and Nestabilities Long Rectangles.

Paper:  Kiwi Kiss (111353),  Whisper White (100730)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Nestabilities Long Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Word Flurries Rub-Ons (111417, 1 sheet each in Chocolate Chip and Whisper White)

The back of the die cuts is one of the best parts of the show. Check out the details above of the sweet scallops.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stampin' Up! Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

GET READY, GET SET!  Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravaganza Sale kicks off Nov. 26 and ends Dec. 1.  Avoid the crowds and shop on-line here (wearing your jammies and fuzzy slippers if you want).  Better yet, you'll be able to purchase select Stampin' Up! product bundles on-line at a fraction of the retail price (20 to 50% off)--quantities will be limited!

Be ready to visit my blog on Nov. 26.  I'll have the sales and product details for you as soon as they are released.

NEED A GIFT UNDER $10?  CLICK HERE.

TIP:  I have personalized gift certificates available, too.

STAY TUNED for holiday ideas all week long!

Golden Scandinavian Season

At the advice of a virtual friend and blog reader, I participated in Shelli Gardner's November Demonstrator Blog Challenge (Shelli is the owner of Stampin' Up!)  I gave it a whirl with this card (previously posted) and was selected this morning as one of the winners.  I'm honored and thrilled (closer to freaked out) to think that the owner of SU was checking out my Stampin' Pretty blog and enjoyed my little creation.  Big smile.

Today's holiday card relies on this week's Taylored Expressions sketch challenge (TECC43).  It's both simple and chic.  I inked Stampin' Up!'s Scandinavian Season tree in VersaMark and stamped on Old Olive card stock.  The tree dazzles when heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  Three proud gold brads line up in the top left corner.  TIP:  For precise alignment, I use a template and paper piercer to set the holes for my brads.  I matted this layer on Bravo Burgundy card stock.

The panel below is a Tangerine Tango pattern from Stampin' Up!'s Haiku Designer Series Paper.  It's layered on Bravo Burgundy and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Whisper White.

I stamped the floral portion of the tree a second time, VersaMark on Bravo Burgundy.  After heat embossing with Gold Embossing Powder, I snipped out and adhered the flower with Stampin' Dimensionals. A slip of Stampin' Up!'s beautiful Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon with an accent of fun, orange buttons trumps up a little pizzazz.  TIP:  I have the best luck attaching buttons with Stampin' Up!'s Mini Glue Dots.  They really stay put.

The sentiment is from Season of Cheer Rub-Ons.  Save 20% on all Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons with a $20 purchase until November 30.  Click here for details.  TIP:  Try using a Bone Folder to transfer Rub-Ons.  It's smooth sailing.

GET READY, GET SET!  Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravaganza Sale begins Nov. 26 and ends Dec. 1.  Avoid the crowds and shop on-line here (wearing your jammies and fuzzy slippers if you want).  Better yet . . . save 20 to 50% on selected Stampin' Up! product bundles.  I'll have all the details ready for you when they are released on Nov. 26.  I have personalized gift certificates available, too.

CLICK HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Scandinavian Season (111774)
Paper:  Haiku Designer Series (112470), Old Olive (100702), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Paper Piercer and Template (104310, Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit), Bone Folder (102300), Stampin' Up! Mini Glue Dots (103683)
The Perfect Touch:  Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109053),  Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Gold Brads (104337), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Various Orange Buttons (Non-SU) 

RAK from My Friend Patti

Aren't the colors of this sweet card stunning?  It was a delightful surprise (RAK:  Random Act of Kindness) to receive from my virtual stamping friend, Patti.  I'm still trying to figure out how she managed perfect placement of the little red dots around the oval . . . I'm not capable of that type of free hand precision.  Her handwriting is spectacular, too.  TIP:  Text is much more striking when layered over the daisy image as Patti opted to do.

DON'T FORGET.  The Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons Promotion ends November 30. Save 20%!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Turkey with a Punch

I don't create a lot of whimsical images.  However, I saw this charming idea for a turkey using the Scallop Circle Punch (and many more) in my Stampin' Up! demonstrator magazine and had to give it a try.

I used Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive with the Scallop Circle Punch to create his feathers.  Here are the instructions for the fold.

This is a PUNCH BUNCH extravaganza . . . are you ready? 

1.  Nose:  Tip of a Boho Blossom Punch Flower, 110711 (Pumpkin Pie)
2.  Face:  3/4" Circle Punch, 107217 (More Mustard Textured)
3.  Hat:  3/4" Square Punch, 107273 and 1 1/4" Square Punch, 104400, cut down to a brim (Basic Black)
4.  Body:  1 3/8" Circle Punch, 104401 (Chocolate Chip)
5.  Buttons:  1/4" Circle Punch, 104942 (Real Red)
6.  Feet (I love these):  Boho Blossom Flower, 110711 (Pumpkin Pie)
7.  Corner:  Photo Corner's Punch, 109042 (Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive) and 1/4" Circle, 104942 (Real Red)
8.  Scallop Circle Punch, 109043 (Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip)
9.  Border:  Fiskars Border Punch Threading Water (Real Red)

His eyes are Black Micro Brads (www.justbrads.com).  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!'s Warm Words (in dormant but still available, 107123)).  Stampin' Dimensionals prop up the Old Olive portion of the Photo Corner and the entire panel for the turkey.  He's such a handsome guy :)

I used a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and the Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder in Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie to create the background.  TIP:  If you feel the need for perfectly matched images (my "bad"), line the card stock up in the embossing folder (covering a little over half way, one color at a time, one to the left and the second to the right).  Once embossed, trim until the centers match. 

This layout is from Taylor's sketch challenge TECC41.  The Whisper White card base is 4.25 x 5.5, scored at the top.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Warm Words (107123)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Old Olive (100702), Real Red (102482), More Mustard (Earth Elements Textured, 108697), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Chocolate Chip (Earth Elements Textured, 108697)
Cool Tools:  SU Punches (listed above), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

Stampin' Up!sy Daisy

I saw these colors mixed together in a home furnishings catalog (West Elm) and thought it would make a modern and elegant birthday card for my sister-in-law. 

The Upsy Daisy stamp was inked in Going Gray and stamped on Very Vanilla.  I die cut and embossed this layer and the Really Rust scalloped layer below using Nestabilties Rectangles (www.ucutathome.com) and a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. 

The layout was inspired by this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge (SC203).  The Going Gray card base is 4.25 x 5.5, scored at the top.  Really Rust Textured corners were popped out quickly using a 3/4" Square Punch.  Very Vanilla Textured card stock added a rich backdrop and helped create an interesting geometric pattern.

The sentiment (also from Upsy Daisy) was inked in Basic Gray, stamped on Really Rust and snapped out with Stampin' Up!'s Large Oval Punch.  It gets a lift from Stampin' Dimensionals.  Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon sneaks through to tie things up neatly.

THE PERFECT TOUCH.  In line with the Splitcoast Ways to Use Challenge to use pearls (WT193), these lovely Cream Halfback Pearls from the Stampin' Up! Pretties Kit were "just the thing" for finishing off the corners.  TIP:  As a helpful resource, all links to all Splitcoast daily challenges are listed on my left side bar.

DON'T MISS the Stampin' Up! Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit.  Start a tradition of assembling easy and beautiful ornaments with family or consider the special touch of giving homemade gifts this year.  This kit comes with all the supplies.

Need the perfect holiday gift?  Consider a personalized gift certificate.  Click here for details.

CLICK HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Upsy Daisy (111710)
Paper:  Going Gray (Neutrals Collection, 108588), Very Vanilla Textured (Neutrals Collection, 108693), Very Vanilla (101650), Real Rust Textured (Earth Elements, 108697), Real Rust (100661)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Going Gray (103274)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), 3/4" Square Punch (107273), Large Oval Punch (107305), Nestabilities Rectangles (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Cream Halfback Pearls (Pretties Kit, 109114), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064)

Faux Metal Tag Tutorial

 

Mission accomplished!  I created my first stamping video tutorial.  Click the television below!   It lacks Hollywood potential (the quality gets compromised when it's uploaded to Utube) and there are occasional glare issues . . . but I'm excited that I finally crossed over to "moving pictures." 

Music and captions were added because my narrative sounded like a lisping alien.  If any techies out there know how to improve on this, please leave me a comment.  Perhaps I'll evolve into "talkies" before long.

 

I want to give a shout out to Veronica of VK Design Co. for this fun tutorial button.  She also created my latest Stampin' Pretty blog design and buttons.  She's reasonably priced and her work is nothing short of genius.

This sketch is attributed to Julee at Poetic Artistry.  My Very Vanilla card base is  5.5 x 4.25, scored on the side.  I layered Riding Hood Red (top) and Basic Black on the bottom.  The black received a little jazz from a Scallop Edge Punch and three gold brads.

The top border was heat embossed in gold on Very Vanilla using Stampin' Up!'s Beautiful Borders stamp set.  Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain offers a luxurious accent.  The patterned paper on the lower half is from Stampin' Up!'s Bella Rose Designer Series.

Details for the "metal" tag are included in my Faux Metal Tag Tutorial above.  It combines the Cute and Curly holiday stamp, gold embossing powder, heat tool and the Curly Label Punch.  TIP:  You could use the same process to make silver tags with Silver Embossing Powder and Brushed Silver card stock.  The tag is propped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and adhered to Very Vanilla card stock matted on Basic Black.

TIP:  Both rows of Gold Brads were lined up with precision using the Template and Paper Piercer from Stampin'  Up!'s Crafter's tool kit. 

Did you find the video helpful?  Please leave me a comment on your thoughts and any suggestions for future video tutorials. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Cute and Curly (Curly Label Punch Bundle, 112966), Beautiful Borders (111594)
Paper:  Brushed Gold (102935), Bella Rose Designer Series (112041), Riding Hood Red (111348), Basic Black (102851), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Curly Label Punch (112966), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Powder Pals (102197), Embossing Buddy (103083)
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Gold Brads (104337), Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109027)

Stamping for Baby Ava

It's raining babies among my family and friends.  With the arrival of Ava Gabriella (my friend's new daughter), I wanted to throw something fun and personalized together.

This adorable Tangerine Tango elephant from Nursery Necessities is stamped on Whisper White and matted on a layer of Tangerine Tango.  Delicious Kiwi Kiss Hawaii Papaya Designer Paper is layered on Chocolate Chip card stock.  "Welcome" from Warm Words (on the dormant list but still available from Stampin' Up!) is stamped in Chocolate Chip.  TIP:  A Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here) makes perfect placement of the sentiment a snap!

A strip of Stampin' Up!'s Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Ribbon brings out the "wow."  I added an extra brad on the left because--well, because :)  TIP:  Logic doesn't always reign.  My elephant landed on top courtesy of Stampin' Dimensionals.

This sketch is from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge, WSC66.  The Tangerine Tango base is 4.25 x 5.5 and scored on the side.  I layered a handsome stripe from the Hawaii Papaya Designer Series on top.  Two Tangerine flowers bloomed from my Boho Blossoms Punch and Jumbo Eyelets were added in near silence with my "soft spoken" Crop-A-Dile eyelet setter.  The flowers are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

A Flower Fusion Too felt flower in Chocolate Chip (Pink Pirouette and Baja Breeze also come in the kit) is topped with a white Trio Punch flower and Tangerine Boho Flower.  All are joined for life with an Antique Brass brad.

COOL TOOL:  GO GO BOOTS (113450).  Key to personalization of this project ("AVA" in Chocolate Chip), or any card or scrapbook page, is a fabulous alphabet.  The whimsical Go Go Boots Alphabet Die Cuts (order thru Stampin' Up! under product #113450) were designed by illustrator Stu Kilgour and are "spot on" when used with my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.   Click for Big Shot details and my Big Shot "101".  The specially designed Go Go Boots case (included and très cool) contains dies for snappy upper and lower case letters, numbers, 8 punctuation marks--a total of over 70 shapes.  They cut through a single sheet of card stock, foil or vellum.

 

TIP:  My envie received a touch of customization, too.  I adhered a strip of coordinating Hawaii Papaya Designer Series paper on top of the flap, flipped it over and trimmed the excess away.

COMING UP:  My first video tutorial "Faux Metal Tags" is almost ready (albeit rough around the edges--I'm still learning).  I felt it was time to take the plunge.

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Stamp Set:  Nursery Necessities (111049), Warm Words (107123)
Paper:  Hawaii Papaya Designer Series (112460), Tangerine Tango (111349), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Chocolate Chip (102128), Whisper White (100730), Whisper White Medium Envelope (107301)
Ink:  Tangerine Tango (111834), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Go Go Boots Alphabet Die Cuts (113450), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), Trio Flowers Punch (109183), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
The Perfect Touch:  Jumbo Antique Brass Eyelets (108431), Antique Brass Brads (Vintage Brads, 109109), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Flower Fusion Too (112006), Tangerine Tango 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (111371)

RAK from Renate

Isn't this RAK (random act of kindness) from my friend Renate lovely?  The combination of Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery and gold is incredibly striking and the Top Note Die Cut (#113463) is the perfect background. 

TIP:  Renate shares a marvelous idea on creating dimension without dimensionals.  In this example, she uses Stampin' Up!'s Designer Label Punch (#107590) three times--first in celery for the sentiment and twice in Whisper White.   The white punches below are slightly staggered to be longer (top to bottom) than the celery punch (but keep the sides even).  The white outline and the thickness of the white punches gives the illusion of zowie 3-D!  Cool.

Stampin' Up! Twin Birthdays

My sisters are identical twins and will be sharing their birthday for the 56th time next week.  They were dressed identically as young girls . . . Sally always in the blue version and Susan in red.  Old habits die hard.  I made nearly identical cards and you can guess which sister gets which card.

The PERFECT TOUCH?  Fabric flowers.  Stampin' Up!'s Pretties Kit is loaded with flowers, pearls, rhinestone brads, crystals, even hat pins for adding unique and pretty embellishments to your projects.  TIP:   Although I left them white for these two cards, the flowers can be dyed to match Stampin' Up! colors many ways--my preference is using Stampin' Up! Markers (quick, easy, no mess).

SALLY'S CARD
Stamp Set:  Window Dressing (111712, Hostess Level III), Wow Flowers (111714)
Paper:  Urban Garden Designer Series (112042), Baja Breeze Textured (111345), Baja Breeze (111352), Not Quite Navy Textured (108697), Not Quite Navy (101722), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Kiwi Kiss (111835), Blush Blossom Stampin' Up! Marker (100037)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Blender Pen (102845), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Nestabilities Circles (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Pretties Kit (109114), Earth Elements Brads (106955), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

SUSAN'S CARD
Stamp Set:  Window Dressing (111712, Hostess Level III), Wow Flowers (1117114)
Paper:  Holiday Treasures Designer Series (112469), Chocolate Chip (102128), Blush Blossom Textured (108695), Ruby Red Textured (108697), Ruby Red (102030), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908), Ruby Red (100075) and Blush Blossom (100037) Stampin' Up! Markers
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403, 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Nestabilities Circles (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Pretties Kit (109114), Earth Elements Brads (106955), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Beautiful and affordable gift ideas . . .  Have you seen Stampin' Up!'s Country Living Holiday Kit?

Just a Note . . .

I want to give a shout out to Marilyn who nominated me for a blog award.  I'm always flattered and moved by such acts of kindness.  I'm not very good about following through with the rules and passing the award along.  I apologize.  It's simply a "time thing."  However, I occasionally want to recognize those that show so much confidence in me.  Thank you, Marilyn.

On that note, I'm asked often about why I don't participate (or get asked to be) on design teams, submit my designs for publication or create for other stamp companies . . . again, I'm soooo flattered by your thoughts.  Honestly, I DO get opportunities but prefer to use Stampin' Up! products (so many options, so easy and all in one place), stick close to my demo down line and focus on my Stampin' Pretty blog.  It keeps me plenty busy and happy.  Maybe someday I'll feel differently.  Right now, this is a wonderful gig.

Stampin' Up! Holiday Stripes

Need a gift this holiday season?  Here's a handy holiday guide or click here to learn more about my personally designed Stampin' Up! gift certificates.

This classy layout (from Poetic Artistry) assembles with minimal extras.  I started with a 4.25 x 5.5 Whisper White card base, topped with striped Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper and matted on Ruby Red card stock. 

The charming Old Olive tree is from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Trinkets set, stamped on Whisper White and snipped out with my Paper Snips.  It's mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals on a polka dot square of  Holiday Treasures DP, popped out with a 1 1/4" Square Punch and layered on an Old Olive Scallop Square.

The final touches include Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and a "Merry Christmas" sentiment from the All Holidays stamp set.  TIP:   I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig  (tutorial here) to place it exactly where I wanted it. 

The pillow box can house tiny gifts, candies and is simply adorable.  It's created using a Bigz Pillow Box Die, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Chocolate Chip card stock.  TIP:  For some added textural spunk, I embossed it using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (and my Big Shot). 

The Ribbon Originals Stripe Ribbon adds a dose of wow.  It's packaged along with Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon--a very useful combo for cards or wrapping gifts.  The tag was created using Stampin' Up!'s Tag (Old Olive) and Small Tag (Whisper White) Punches.  The Ruby Red flower is from Bella's Bloom.

A Stampin' Up! Chit Chat Rub-On is layered on Ruby Red card stock and clipped with a Word Window Punch.  It's adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Don't miss the current Rub-Ons Promotion where you can save 20%!   I added half a 3/4" Circle, with an Old Olive eyelet (retired--but any eyelet will do) and Red Hemp Twine to pull things together.

CLICK HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7!

CARD
Stamp Set:  Holiday Trinkets (111650), All Holidays (109397)
Paper:  Holiday Treasures Designer Series (112469), Whisper White (100730), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Old Olive (102277), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), 1 1/4" Square Punch (104403), Scallop Square Punch 112081)
The Perfect Touch:  Ribbon Originals Alpine (113100), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

BOX
Stamp Set:  Bella's Bloom (111600)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (102128), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red (102030), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  Pillow Box Bigz Die (113466), Big Shot Die Cuting Machine (113439), Tag (105934) and Small Tag (108264) Punches, Word Window Punch (105090), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Ribbon Originals Alpine (113100), Old Olive Eyelet (retired--try Metallic Eyelets 105319), Red Hemp Twine (102875), Chit Chat Rub-Ons (111804)

Building a Better Basket

It baffled me at first.  Stampin' Up!'s Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die (113484) was capable of producing adorable baskets (think table settings, small holiday gifts, wedding or birthday favors). However, the assembly directions were leaving me with inconsistent results.  I admit "engineering" is not my strength.  I "get it" now.

So how do you build a better basket?  Let's break it down.

Here's the Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die.  It's considered "XL" because it's extra long at 6" x 13 3/4".

 

Another benefit of this extra long die is that it includes die cuts for flowers and a gift tag, too.  Wonderful with chipboard.  TIP:  You don't need to cut all the shapes (and waste paper) every time you run it through a die cutting machine.  Simply isolate what you want to cut, as I have done here with Whisper White.

Once I cut what I needed with my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, I dolled up the Whisper White (both sides) with a charming little stamp from Scandinavian Season, inked in Pacific Point.  TIP:  When you don't have just the right colors in Designer Paper, small stamps make delightful, color coordinated patterns.

 

TIP:  When making 3-D objects, you will need a strong adhesive.  I chose Sticky Strip (104294) to avoid any "wardrobe failures."  Both basket pieces should be facing the same direction with the flap on the same side.  Add Sticky Strip to one flap.

Attach the two basket templates as shown.

Flip over and add Sticky Strip to the inside of the base.

Bend the tabs of the base piece.

Attach the base, tabs facing down to create a "dixie cup" type bottom, starting on the side without the remaining unattached flap.  TIP:  Roll the base carefully along the adhesive at the base of the basket template, lining up the tabs with the bottom.

Before reaching the final, perforated flap, add a piece of sticky strip to the outside of the remaining flap. 

Attach the final base tabs and flap (tucked inside the basket) and you're done.

TIP:  To create custom packing confetti to fill your basket (or boxes), I run coordinating card stock through my Crimper.

I next slice the crimped card stock the opposite direction of the crimps with inexpensive shredding scissors, bending and playing with the pieces for a touch for funky texture.

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Stamp Set:  Scandinavian Season (111774)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Pacific Point (111350), Certainly Celery (105125), Basic Gray (108692)
Ink:  Pacific Point (111837)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die (113484), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Scallop Square Punch (112081), Crimper (101618), Shredding Scissors
The Perfect Touch:  Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (111370), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843)

Scallop Note Card Tutorial

I saw it and I had to have it.  The new Bigz Scallop Circle (113468) creates bold and beautiful die cuts but also pops out scallop note cards in a flash.  Think adorable scalloped card sets.  Game over for me.

Here's a close-up of the die (5.5" x 6" x 5/8" thick).

I folded Basic Gray card stock to a  5.5 x 4.25 card and centered the wide, scored side on top of the die.  TIP:  Leave four scallops uncovered as shown.  This will be your "hinge."

My delicious scalloped sandwich did a little do-si-do with my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  Voilà . . . instant scallop card (roughly 4.5 wide x 4.25 tall,  for inquiring minds)!  Cuttlebug lovers don't despair.  The Bigz dies work beautifully in your lime fun factories.  Click here for my Big Shot 101 Tutorial, with exclusive details from the Stampin' Pretty "lab" on using the Bigz Dies in a Cuttlebug.

Here's my finished card.  I topped my scalloped note card with a large Certainly Celery Circle created with Nestabilities Circles (purchased through Marcie at Cut @ Home) and my Big Shot.  Oh, yes, I also "needed" the Bigz Scallop Circle set #2, which offers two more sizes . . . I used the larger size of the two for the Whisper White die cut.

I created a ribbon slide by whittling the Whisper White die cut circle with a Horizontal Slot Punch on each side. TIP:  To accommodate the width of the Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain, I lined up and punched the slot twice, moving just a hint to the side, to make the opening larger.  My color choices are from this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge 192 (Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Basic Gray).  TIP:  All SCS challenges are listed on my left side bar. 

Don't you love the way the crisp, white Santa rub-on (Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons) stands out on the Pacific Point card stock?  Ditto the "ho, ho, ho" sentiment on Basic Gray (3/4" Circle).  All Stampin' Up! rub-ons are on sale with a $20 purchase thru Nov. 30.  Click here for Rub-On Sale details.  I stocked up yesterday :)

I clipped the corners of the Santa layer with Stampin' Up!'s Ticket Corner Punch and adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals to Certainly Celery.  The corners are dotted with micro brads.  TIP:  The blue in these Tropical Micro Brads works beautifully with Pacific Point.  You can find them at Just Brads.

The sentiment tops a 1" Circle of Certainly Celery and receives a touch of pizzazz with a tiny stick-on rhinestone.  Dimensionals divide the layers and anchor the base.

And the adorable basket?  Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Baskets and Blooms Bigz XL Die (113484) contributes the perfectly cut basket pieces.  Full recipe and details on Building a Better Basket (lots of pix) tomorrow :)

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Paper:  Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Pacific Point
Cool Tools:  Big Shot (113439), Bigz Scallop Circle (113468), Bigz Scallop Circles #2 (113469), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), 3/4" (107217) and 1"  (109046) Circle Punches, Nestabilities Circles (Cut At Home)
The Perfect Touch:  Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons (112844), Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (111370), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tropical Micro Brads (Just Brads), Stick on Rhinestone